The Matrix Reloaded - 8 stars out of 10

The Matrix Reloaded - 8 stars out of 10

The Matrix Reloaded picks up several months after the original ends. It exceeds the standard of incredible visual effects and fight sequences set forth by the original but, while the original focused heavily on live-action sequences and inserted CGI where necessary, Reloaded relies on CGI to the point that half of the action scenes are completely live (the Merovingian's chateau) and the other half are primarily CGI (Neo fighting the Smiths, the semis ramming each other). I like the additions of Jada Pinkett Smith and Harold Perrineau Jr., but did not like the addition of long-winded (and unnecessary) monologues that confused the plot and detracted from the storyline instead of enhancing it. I'm still trying to figure out why the Merovingian was necessary at all. The Matrix Reloaded strives to answer many of the questions left unanswered by the first film; however, some of these answers were better left shrouded by mystery .